There is so much to see on Kangaroo Island. You will find pristine white sand beaches, hiking trails, wildlife, fresh local food, great wine and much more. With the attractions being spread far across the island, taking a vehicle is advantageous. SeaLink offers ferry transport for vehicles & passengers from Cape Jervis on the mainland to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island and you can book your Kangaroo Island holiday rental on Search and Stay. But here are 10 things to start you off. Don’t miss these amazing places when you visit!
1. Seal Bay
The sea lions bedroom! That’s what our guide called the beach that these aquatic mammals call home. This is a permanent colony of around 800 Australian sea lions making it the third largest colony. With a guided tour you can get within metres of these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. Book your guided beach tour and find some holiday accommodation at Kingscote, Kangaroo Island's main town, on Search and Stay.
2. George’s Castle
You don’t really visit Kangaroo Island for its castles so coming across this quirky construction was quite the surprise! This home turned castle is filled with unicorns, swords and other oddities and proudly has 52,000 lights on display for Christmas. You can visit for a self guided tour and support George with a donation. You’ll find George’s Castle on North Coast Road on Kangaroo Island, not far from Emu Bay. Find a holiday rental at Emu Bay on Search and Stay.
3. Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery
Emu Ridge is a fantastic place to visit and learn about the history of Kangaroo Island. There is a free informative video that you can watch from the comfort of this rustic buggy (great for a photo opportunity as well)! Check out the Eucalyptus Distillery in action, visit the gallery and cafe and enjoy coffee, cake, lunch or even an Espresso Martini! You can also try a cider tasting paddle of four varieties from the cellar door of co-located Kangaroo Island Ciders. Right up the road from the Eucalyptus Distillery is the orchard for Kangaroo Island Ciders, growing more than thirty varieties, mainly Old English cider apples.
4. Stokes Bay
Getting to the beach at Stokes Bay is something you need to experience! A winding path through a cave of rocks will lead you to a stunning beach with a sheltered rock pool perfect for swimming. It’s certainly a favourite on the island, with many flocking here on a warm summer's day. It’s also the perfect place for a beach walk when the weather is cooler as well. You'll find a holiday rental in Stokes Bay, Kangaroo Island on Search and Stay
5. Remarkable Rocks
One of kangaroo Island’s most iconic sights is the Remarkable Rocks in the Flinders Chase National Park. The scale and location of the rocks is impressive with the formation being right on the edge of the coastline with waves crashing below. Make sure you spare an afternoon to explore, or even the whole day. The regeneration in the national park is quite a sight to see after the bushfires in 2019/20. Find holiday accommodation on Search and Stay near Flinders Chase National Park.
6. Dudley Wines
Adventuring is hard work! Dudley Wines is the perfect place to kick back with a glass of wine & a perfect view. Their gourmet pizzas and tasting platters are also highly recommended if you need to recharge after all the exploring. Stay close by at Cuttlefish Bay, search Search and Stay for holiday accommodation on Kangaroo Island.
7. Little Sahara
Whether you love nature or something a little more adventurous you will find it at the Little Sahara dunes of Kangaroo Island. The naturally occurring inland dune field is around 2.5 square kilometres. Take a tour with KI Outdoor Action or Little Sahara Adventure Centre and choose from sand boarding, e-biking, dune buggy or just good old fashion walking to explore the dunes. The bush nearby is home to a huge koala colony so don’t forget to look up!
8. Vivonne Bay
There’s not much at Vivonne Bay, the beach itself, the small jetty area and a few boats around the bay, that look like they’re floating on glass. However, this is one of the most jaw-dropping beaches in South Australia. You'll find a camping ground here but for holiday rentals near Vivonne Bay visit Search and Stay.
9. Emu Bay Lavender Farm
Emu Bay Lavender Farm's humble story began in 2001 when a small lavender garden was first planted. 19 years later, The farm now runs over 51 acres and 7500 lavender plants including 12 different varieties of Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula intermedia. Emu Bay Lavender Farm's fully licensed cafe offers breakfast and lunch with a menu boasting seasonal and local produce. Treat yourself with a morning or afternoon tea of oversized lavender scones washed down with local Kangaroo Island ciders, wines and spirits. Find your Emu Bay holiday accommodation on Search and Stay and explore the whole island from there.
(image credit: Tourism Australia)
10. Interact With Wild Dolphins
What an amazing experience to Interact with wild dolphins. Take a tour with Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures along the North Coast of Kangaroo Island and enjoy the time to truely absorb your surroundings, relax and marvel at the antics of these amazing marine animals, like watching young calves playing with each other, or chasing and catch fish. Tours with KI Marine Adventures depart near your Kingscote holiday accommodation or your Emu Bay holiday house all easily booked on Search and Stay.
Where to Stay on Kangaroo Island
Passing Winds is a modern luxury home with direct access to stunning four kilometre long Emu Bay Beach. Fish from the beach or the jetty, swim, snorkel, launch your boat; there’s even mooring available. On the entertainment deck you can BBQ your catch or alternatively, use the facilities provided by the well-equipped kitchen. This home has all the modern conveniences you would expect for your comfort and enjoyment. It really is the place to relax and unwind or reconnect with family and friends. Passing Winds sleeps 12; three queen beds, and three bunk beds, with quilts, pillows and linen provided.
Source: KangarooIsland.com.au, South Australian Tourism Commission
Additional image credit: Ben Goode